Hydriastele
(from hydria, a water vessel or fountain, and stele, a column; in allusion to the tall stems growing near springs). ORD. Palmeae. A monotypic genus, the species being a tall stove palm. For culture, see Kentia. H. Wendlandiana (Wendland's). fl., panicle of numerous slender pendulous spikes of about 1ft., the common peduncle very short, broad, and thick, marked with the scars of the spathes and of two outer bracts; spathe and male flowers unknown; female perianth under the fruit, the segments all very broad, the inner twice as long as the outer ones. fr. ovoid or globular, when dry longitudinally striate with prominent ribs, succulent when fresh, with a thin endocarp. l. many feet long; segments numerous, unequal, the longest 1 1/2ft. long, the upper ones confluent at the base, all or mostly jagged or toothed at the apex. Tropical Australia.SYN. Kentia Wendlandiana.